Young Farmers of Davao: Understanding the Situations of Child Laborers in the Agricultural Sector

This study explored the lived experiences, coping mechanisms, and learning insights of child laborers engaged in agricultural work in Davao, Philippines. Guided by a phenomenological research design, the study involved ten child laborers aged 13 to 17 who participated in focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was employed to identify patterns and generate themes from participants’ narratives. Findings revealed that the intersection of economic necessity, cultural expectations, and family responsibility shapes children’s engagement in agricultural labor. While participants demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of duty, their experiences also exposed them to physical risks, educational challenges, and emotional strain. Work was often perceived not only as a survival strategy but also as a socially normalized obligation within rural households. Coping mechanisms included reliance on family support, perseverance, and spiritual beliefs, which helped sustain optimism despite adverse conditions. The study contributes to the literature by providing localized and experience-based insights into child labor in agricultural communities, highlighting the blurred boundaries between acceptable family assistance and exploitative labor. It underscores the need for strengthened implementation of child protection policies, context-sensitive educational support, and community-based interventions that address both structural poverty and cultural norms sustaining child labor.